1st April 2025
I want to do something to protect our planet, to try and undo some of the damage I've done in my 50+ years here, so I've become a business member of 1% For The Planet - a global network with thousands of incredible businesses and environmental organisations working together to support people and the planet. The key condition for membership is agreeing to donate 1% of my annual sales to their environmental partners.
Why? Because I believe the state of our planet is directly linked with our own health and wellbeing; as anthropologist Gregory Bateson said in his 1972 collected essays , "an organism that destroys its environment destroys itself."
I’ll be honest, it can be incredibly challenging (financially and mentally!) to do the right thing by this planet of ours, and sometimes I don’t get it right. But the journey is about progress and not perfection.
At home we minimise food waste, food miles and unnecessary plastics with a weekly fruit and veg box. We recycle and compost everything we can, and I try my best to minimise the use of plastics. I try and buy as few 'new' clothes as possible, instead making do with what I've got or source second hand items from charity shops and online platforms like Vinted. We don't go on lots of holidays, and rarely abroad, although this year we are flying to New York for my nephews wedding so I need to see what we can do as a couple to make up for this impact....I'll keep you posted!
This same ethos as applies to my business, and here's what I'm doing:
Energy Efficiency
- Our household energy comes from Octopus Energy, a 100% green supplier.
- The treatment room is only heated when in use. During colder months, I use a heated blanket (where appropriate) to heat the person, not the room, allowing for a lower thermostat setting.
Responsible Business Travel
- I’m actively working on reducing travel miles between my two locations by better appointment scheduling.
- When I need to travel for training or business meetings, I will prioritise public transport where feasible.
Reducing Waste
- I’m committed to reducing unnecessary consumption and waste.
- I will only buy what I need, when I need it, and reuse or recycle wherever possible.
Sustainable Product Choices
- I strive to purchase only eco-friendly and sustainable products, from companies with a genuine environmental commitment. This includes B-Corp Certification, zero waste closed-loop systems, and the avoidance of plastic / single use plastic.
- All products used in my business are listed in the sections below.
Printed Materials
- My leaflets and business cards are produced in small runs to avoid excess waste. I currently use VistaPrint but will be reassessing my company choice the next time I need to preprint my leaflets and business cards.
- I will only use paper that is recycled, carbon-balanced, or FSC/PEFC Certified as a minimum.
- I will minimise at-home printing.
Treatment Essentials
- Couch Roll: I use Lucart couch roll which is made from recycled beverage cartons
- Linens: I minimise linen use in my treatments and where they are used, I source from companies which focus on sustainable business practices and materials (see above). Any non-sustainable linens will be used for as long as possible and if then donated to animal charities.
- Lotions & Potions: Aside from grapeseed oil I use Neal’s Yard Remedies products. I will ensure my next purchase of grapeseed oil adheres to my sustainable product choices commitment.
Cleaning & Laundry
- I avoid the use of harmful chemicals in cleaning products whenever possible
- I use Dew products (which use electrolysed water) for cleaning and sanitisation, and damp dusting instead of using furniture polish.
- I use Delphis toilet cleaner for the client bathroom.
- I use a laundry detergent from the Fill Refill Co.
- I don’t own a tumble dryer. In winter, I use an air-dryer for efficiency and warmth, and in good weather, I dry linens outside.
Client Bathroom
- I use Who Gives a Crap for toilet rolls and toilet tissue.
- I currently use Method hand soap, but this will be changed to Fill Refill Company products in future.
- Neals Yard Remedies Hand Sanitiser is available in the bathroom and treatment room.
Electronic Equipment
- I used to replace electronic devices every 3-4 years, but now I commit to using them for as long as possible.
- When they reach the end of their lifespan, they will be recycled responsibly.
Help Me!
I’m always looking for ways to do better. If you have ideas or suggestions, I’d love to hear them. Email me at sarah@sarahwoodhousetherapy.co.uk.
Transparency Note: This applies in whole to my treatment room in Elmswell. At the Self Centre I use my own products for treatments, my own linens and provide my own printed materials. While I have no control over any other elements, I do know the staff are committed to being as sustainable as possible, given their operating constraints.